RAIN, sleet and snow have not stopped North Yorkshire Moors Railway workers from making sure the attraction is able to open for February half-term.

The first two months of 2013 has seen some of the worst outside working conditions this winter, but that has not deterred the railway’s volunteers and staff from cracking on with essential winter maintenance.

Nigel Trotter, civil engineer, said: “The weather has not been great for relaying track and fixing bridges but we’ve survived the snow and freezing conditions and plodded on through the puddles and flooding to get things up and ready for February half-term.

“Over a quarter of a mile of track has been completely renewed, often in snowy conditions, using a well-practised method that involves a rail mounted crane, a hired excavator and a small number of people to take out the old track and put in the new.

"Other works include cutting back line-side vegetation and overhanging trees which will help increase the views for train passengers to enjoy the wonderful scenery on both sides of the railway.”

It’s not just the track that’s been getting its annual spring clean as the Green Knight locomotive has been on an adventure of its own to have its wheels carefully repaired.

Green Knight was loaded up with its tender on to a low-loader, and made its way down the A1 and the M25 for the repairs to be carried out by experts. It is now safely back home in the shed at Grosmont being prepared for another season of work travelling between Pickering and Whitby.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is open every day during half-term, and weekends in March, before its daily service restarts on March 23 until November 3.

For more information, phone 01751 472508 or book online at nymr.co.uk